Insights from Burr, Cheung, and Team, September 2021
Introduction
Can cannabis boost athletic performance, or does it hurt more than help? In a 2021 study, Dr. Burr and colleagues explored how cannabis use affects athletes. They looked at both potential benefits and risks, focusing on how cannabis might influence training, recovery, and overall performance.
What the Study Found
- Performance: Cannabis doesn’t seem to improve athletic performance. It can impair coordination, focus, and reaction times—key factors in most sports.
- Recovery: Some athletes use cannabis for pain relief and faster recovery, but the evidence is mixed. It may help with muscle soreness but could also interfere with healing.
- Risks: Cannabis use can have side effects like slower reflexes, memory problems, and increased heart rate, which might make training harder or riskier.
- Legal and Ethical Issues: Many sports organizations ban cannabis, so athletes using it risk disqualification or penalties.
The VitalPoint for Patients
If you’re considering cannabis as part of your workout or recovery routine, think carefully. While it might offer temporary pain relief, it won’t improve your performance and could carry risks. Always talk to a doctor about safe and legal options for managing pain or enhancing recovery.
Learn More:
Cannabis Patient Research Sports